SMYRNA, Del.- Looking to take a dip at Lake Como? Well you can. Just at your own risk.
According to the Smyrna Police Department, there are currently no lifeguards on duty Monday through Thursday. Although the gates to Lake Como will remain open, people going to the lake to swim will have to do so at their own risk.
Interim Police Chief, Norman Wood says the department currently has one lifeguard on staff. The lifeguard works during the lake’s most popular hours during the weekend, Friday through Sunday, 10am to 8pm. The department is currently looking for lifeguards that are properly certified for the position to guard the lake during the weekdays.
Lt. Wood says he hopes the lack of lifeguards doesn’t last long. He knows just how busy the lake can get during the warmer days.
“There are a lot of visitors that come to town just to use the lake because its closer than the beaches are,” said Lt. Wood. “There are a lot of towns people that use it as well because they don’t have swimming pools and such.”
Despite the warning sign posted at the entrance of the gate going into the lake, the department is still concerned about the safety of swimmers during the week.
“We keep frequent patrols of the beach area during the peak season which are from the summer between Memorial Day until Labor Day,” said Lt. Wood.
Many residents say the warning signs and lack of lifeguards do not concern them.
Smyrna resident, Ashley Harvey says she comes to Lake Como all the time and isn’t worried about anything happening while she is swimming.
“I know how to swim,” said Harvey. “My parents have taught me. So I know I’m safe.”
The Smyrna Police Department is still accepting applications for the two lifeguards positions.
